China Automotive Systems Reports 45.0% Net Sales Increase in the Second Quarter of 2021

WUHAN,China,Aug. 12,2021 -- China Automotive Systems,Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"),a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China,today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30,2021.

Second Quarter 2021 Highlights

Net sales rose 45.0% to $120.6 million from $83.2 million in the second quarter of 2020;

Gross profit increased 102.6%to $15.8 million from $7.8 million in the second quarter of 2020; gross margin was 13.1% compared with 9.4% in the first quarter of 2020;

Income from operations was $0.1 million,compare to a loss of $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2020;

Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $3.2 million,or diluted earnings per share of $0.10,compared to a net loss attributable to parent company's common shareholders of $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2020.

First Six Months of 2021 Highlights

Net sales grew by 60.1% to $250.9 million,compared to $156.7 million in the first six months of 2020;

Gross profit increased by 87.4% to $35.6 million,compared to $19.0 million in the first six months of 2020; gross margin increased to 14.2% in the first six months of 2021,compared to 12.1% in the first six months of 2020;

Income from operations was $4.3 million compared with a loss from operations of $4.2 million in the first six months of 2020;

Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $6.4 million compared with a net loss of $4.1 million in the first six months of 2020; diluted earnings per share attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $0.21,compared to diluted loss per share of $0.13 in the first six months of 2020;

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.5 million in the first six months of 2021;

Cash and cash equivalents,and pledged cash were $117.3 million as of June 30,2021.

Mr. Qizhou Wu,chief executive officer of CAAS,commented,"Our second quarter 2021 sales continued to achieve robust growth of 45.0% year-over-year with sales of our advanced hydraulic products rising by 43.9% in the Chinese passenger vehicle market,our electric power steering ("EPS") product sales grew by 49.7% and sales into North America were 179.8% higher. Our operations in Brazil also experienced sales growth in the second quarter of 2021,with expected sales growth of approximately 200% year-over-year for the full year 2021."

"According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers,automobile sales in China rose by 25.6% in the first six months of 2021 as passenger vehicle sales grew 27.0% and commercial vehicle sales increased by 20.9%. For the first six months of 2021,our sales increased by 60.1%,far surpassing the growth in the Chinese vehicle market."

"In the first half of 2021,we have taken actions to improve our strategic position. A new EPS product has been introduced based on proprietary CAAS technologies which connects with vehicle data allowing drivers to better adapt to different road conditions which enhances drivability. Mass production of this product has begun for new vehicle models for Chinese automaker,Great Wall Motors,with other OEMs testing the products for their models.

In addition,the board of directors has approved the plan to purchase a 40% interest in Sentient AB,a world leader in steering and vehicle control software and hardware. Based in Sweden with operations in China,Sentient AB specializes in software development and hardware design for advanced steering functions,vehicle motion control and the fast-growing autonomous driving market."

"To faster penetrate the European market,we entered into the OTOP (Off Tool Off Process) phase of new steering development for the leading European auto brand,Alfa Romeo. This new steering system is for Alfa Romeo's first luxury plug-in-hybrid SUV model,2021 Tonale. Among its features,the Tonale electric vehicle features Alfa Romeo's first plug-in-hybrid powertrain. Purchase orders approximating 100,000 annual units are anticipated. And our wholly owned subsidiary,Hubei Henglong,recently received the SGS TÜV ISO26262:2018 ASIL-D certification to meet all the requirements by the ISO26262:2018 standard. Receiving a D certification,the highest and most stringent safety standard of SGS,demonstrates our commitment to developing the highest quality and safety in our products,and distinguishes us from other steering companies."

Mr. Jie Li,chief financial officer of CAAS,"We maintained a strong cash position and financial strength in the first half of 2021 with working capital of $137.8 million at June 30,2021."

Second Quarter of 2021

Net sales increased by 45.0% to $120.6million in the second quarter of 2021,compared to $83.2 million in the second quarter of 2020. Net sales of traditional steering products and parts increased by 43.9% to $97.4million for the second quarter of 2021,compared to $67.7 million for the same period in 2020. Net sales of electric power steering ("EPS") products rose 49.7% to $23.2 million from $15.5 million for the same period in 2020. EPS product sales were 19.2% of the total net sales for the second quarterof2021,compared with 18.6% for the same period in 2020. Export net sales to North American customers rose 179.8% to $31.9 million in the second quarter of 2021 compared with $11.4 million in the second quarter of 2020.Gross profit rose by 102.6% to $15.8million compared to $7.8 million in the second quarter of 2020. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2021 was 13.1% compared with 9.4% in the second quarter of 2020. The increase in gross margin was mainly due to higher net sales and increased gross profit in the Company's Hubei Henglong operations.Gain on other sales was $0.7million,compared to $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2020.Selling expenses increased by 46.7% to $4.4 million compared to $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2020. This increase in selling expenses was primarily due to higher personnel expenses. Selling expenses represented 3.6% of net sales in the second quarter of 2021 compared to 3.6% in the second quarter of 2020.General and administrative expenses ("G&A expenses") were $6.1 million compared to$4.8 million in the second quarter of 2020. G&A expenses represented 5.1% of net sales in the second quarter of 2021 compared to 5.8% of net sales in the second quarter of 2020.Research and development expenses ("R&D expenses") were$5.9 million compared to $6.1 million in the second quarter of 2020. R&D expenses represented 4.9% of net sales in the second quarter of 2021compared to 7.3% in the second quarter of 2020.

Other income,net was $1.5million for the second quarter of 2021,compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30,2020.Incomefrom operations was $0.1million in the second quarter of 2021,compared to a loss from operations of $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2020.Interest expensewas $0.3million in the second quarter of 2021,substantially consistent with $0.4million in the second quarter of 2020.Net financial incomewas $0.2million in the second quarter of 2021,compared to net financial expense of $0.06 million in the second quarter of 2020. The change in net financial expense was primarily due to achieving a foreign exchange benefit in the second quarter of 2021 compared with a foreign exchange expense in the second quarter of 2020.Incomebefore income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was $1.5million in the second quarter of 2021,compared to a loss before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $4.4 million in the second quarter of 2020.Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $3.2million in the second quarter of 2021,compared to a net loss attributable to parent company's common shareholders of $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2020. Diluted earnings per share was $0.10in the second quarter of 2021,compared to diluted net loss per share of $0.13 per share in the second quarter of 2020.The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding was 30,855,406 in the second quarter of 2021 compared to 31,174,045 in the second quarter of 2020.First Six Months of 2021Net sales increased 60.1% to $250.9million in the first six months of 2021,compared to $156.7 million in the first six months of 2020. Six-month gross profit was $35.6million,compared to $19.0million in the corresponding period last year. Six-month gross margin was 14.1%,compared with 12.1% in the first six months of 2020. The gain on other sales was $2.0million in the first six months of 2021 compared to $1.4 million in the corresponding period last year. Income from operations was $4.3million in the first six months of 2021,compared with a loss from operations of $4.2 million in the first six months of 2020.Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders was $6.4million in the first six months of 2021,compared to a net loss attributable to parent company's common shareholders of $4.1 million in the corresponding period in 2020. Diluted earnings per share was $0.21in the first six months of 2021,compared to diluted loss per share of $0.13 in the first six months of 2020.Balance SheetAs of June 30,2021,total cash and cash equivalents,and pledged cash were $117.3million,total accounts receivable including notes receivable were $228.5million,accounts payable including notes payable were $220.4 million and short-term loans were $36.4 million. Total parent company stockholders' equity was $312.2million as of June 30,compared to $303.2 million as of December 31,2020.

Business Outlook

Management raises revenue guidance for thefull year 2021 to $495 million from $485 million. This target is based on the Company's current views on operating and market conditions,which are subject to change.

Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call on August 12,2021 at 8:00 A.M. EDT/8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss these results. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation. To participate,please call the following numbers 10 minutes before the call start time and ask to be connected to the "China Automotive Systems" conference call:

US Toll Free:

+1-877-407-8031

International:

+1-201-689-8031

China (toll free):

+ 86 400 120 2840

A replay of the call will be available on the Company's website under the investor relations section.

About China Automotive Systems,Inc.

Based in Hubei Province,the People's Republic of China,China Automotive Systems,Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry,operating through ten Sino-foreign joint ventures. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 6 million sets of steering gears,columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers,such as China FAW Group,Corp.,Dongfeng Auto Group Co.,Ltd.,BYD Auto Company Limited,Beiqi Foton Motor Co.,Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co.,Ltd. in China,and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information,please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the qualitative and quantitative effects of the accounting errors,the periods involved,the nature of the Company's review and any anticipated conclusions of the Company or its management and other statements that are not historical facts. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result,the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors,including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30,and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If the outbreak of COVID-19 is not effectively and timely controlled,our business operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected as a result of the deteriorating market outlook for automobile sales,the slowdown in regional and national economic growth,weakened liquidity and financial condition of our customers or other factors that we cannot foresee. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control,could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment,cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business,cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict and materially and adversely impact our business,financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing,delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers,increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release,whether as a result of new information,future events or otherwise.

For further information,please contact:

Jie Li

Chief Financial Officer

China Automotive Systems,Inc.

jieli@chl.com.cn

Kevin Theiss

Awaken Advisors

+1-212-521-4050

Kevin@awakenlab.com

China Automotive Systems,Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD,except share and per share amounts)

ThreeMonthsEnded

June 30,

2021

2020

Net product sales ($15,750and $16,105sold to related parties for the three months ended June 30,

2021 and 2020)

$

120,604

$

83,184

Cost of products sold ($7,197and $6,152purchased from related parties for the three months

ended June 30,2021 and 2020)

104,775

75,353

Gross profit

15,829

7,831

Gain on other sales

725

838

Less: Operating expenses

Selling expenses

4,446

2,977

General and administrative expenses

6,063

4,759

Research and development expenses

5,926

6,125

Total operating expenses

16,435

13,861

Income from operations

119

(5,192)

Other income,net

1,506

1,257

Interest expense

(294)

(446)

Financial income/(expense),net

182

(59)

Income/(loss) before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies

1,513

(4,440)

Less: Income taxes expense/(benefit)

198

(31)

Add: Equity in earnings of affiliated companies

1,613

169

Net income/(loss)

2,928

(4,240)

Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

(279)

(142)

Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests

(7)

-

Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company's common shareholders

$

3,200

$

(4,098)

Comprehensive income:

Net income/(loss)

$

2,928

$

(4,240)

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation income,net of tax

5,586

358

Comprehensive income/(loss)

8,514

(3,882)

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

80

(86)

Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests

(7)

-

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to parent company

$

8,427

$

(3,796)

Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company's common shareholders per share -

Basic

$

0.10

$

(0.13)

Diluted

$

0.10

$

(0.13)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -

Basic

30,851,776

31,045

Diluted

30,406

31,045

China Automotive Systems,Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD,except share and per share amounts)

SixMonthsEndedJune 30,

2021

2020

Net product sales ($32,325and $23,599sold to related parties for the sixmonths ended June

30,2021 and 2020)

$

250,945

$

156,739

Cost of products sold ($15,411and $9,286purchased from related parties for the sixmonths

ended June 30,2021 and 2020)

215,368

137,756

Gross profit

35,577

18,983

Gain on other sales

2,041

1,438

Less: Operating expenses

Selling expenses

10,055

5,095

General and administrative expenses

10,678

8,188

Research and development expenses

12,606

11,318

Total operating expenses

33,339

24,601

Income/(loss) from operations

4,279

(4,180)

Other income,net

3,229

1,374

Interest expense

(637)

(811)

Financial expense,net

(57)

(590)

Income/(loss) before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies

6,814

(4,207)

Less: Income taxes expense

839

483

Add: Equity in earnings/(loss) of affiliated companies

184

(178)

Net income/(loss)

6,159

(4,868)

Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

(261)

(742)

Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests

(14)

-

Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company's common shareholders

$

6,406

$

(4,126)

Comprehensive income:

Net income/(loss)

$

6,159

$

(4,868)

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation income/(loss),net of tax

3,315

(4,603)

Comprehensive income/(loss)

9,474

(9,471)

Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests

(38)

(1,139)

Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests

(14)

-

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to parent company

$

9,498

$

(8,332)

Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company's common shareholders per share -

Basic

$

0.21

$

(0.13)

Diluted

$

0.21

$

(0.13)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -

Basic

30,856,571

31,045

Share-based compensation included in operating expense above is as follows:

General and administrative expenses

88

-

China Automotive Systems,Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

June 30,

2021

December31,

2020

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

83,113

$

97,248

Pledged cash

34,204

30,813

Accounts and notes receivable,net - unrelated parties

204,782

216,519

Accounts and notes receivable - related parties

23,679

17,621

Inventories

95,971

88,325

Other current assets

34,008

25,132

Total current assets

475,757

475,658

Non-current assets:

Property,plant and equipment,net

135,899

141,004

Land use rights,net

10,737

10,774

Long-term investments

45,629

49,766

Other non-current assets

27,523

30,358

Total assets

$

695,545

$

707,560

LIABILITIES,MEZZANINE EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term loans

$

36,415

$

44,238

Accounts and notes payable-unrelated parties

208,440

212,522

Accounts and notes payable-related parties

12,000

12,730

Accrued expenses and other payables

51,721

55,607

Other current liabilities

29,339

29,387

Total current liabilities

337,915

354,484

Long-term liabilities:

Other long-term payable

-

1,126

Long-term tax payable

21,074

23,884

Other non-current liabilities

8,153

8,151

Total liabilities

$

367,142

$

387,645

Mezzanine equity:

Redeemable non-controlling interests

537

523

Stockholders' equity:

Common stock,$0.0001 par value - Authorized - 80,000,000 shares; Issued - 32,338,302

and 32,302 shares as of June 30,2021 and December 31,2020,respectively

$

3

$

3

Additional paid-in capital

63,731

64,273

Retained earnings-

Appropriated

11,303

11,303

Unappropriated

221,897

215,491

Accumulated other comprehensive income

20,519

17,413

Treasury stock - 1,486,526 and 1,526 shares as of June 30,

respectively

(5,261)

(5,261)

Total parent company stockholders' equity

312,192

303,222

Non-controlling interests

15,674

16,170

Total stockholders' equity

327,866

319,392

Total liabilities,mezzanine equity and stockholders' equity

$

695,560

China Automotive Systems,Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

SixMonthsEndedJune

30,

2021

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income/(loss)

$

6,868)

Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to net cash (used in)/provided by

operating activities:

Share-based compensation

88

-

Depreciation and amortization

13,117

10,562

Provision/(reversal) of credit losses

311

(239)

Deferred income taxes

469

21

Equity in gain/(loss) of affiliated companies

(184)

178

Government subsidy reclassified from government loans

-

287

Loss on fixed assets disposals

9

42

(Increase)/decrease in:

Accounts and notes receivable

6,887

41,917

Inventories

(7,036)

(1,281)

Other current assets

(1,250)

(1,355)

Increase/(decrease) in:

Accounts and notes payable

(6,291)

(11,924)

Accrued expenses and other payables

(4,030)

2,683

Long-term taxes payable

(2,809)

(2,809)

Other current liabilities

105

(1,835)

Net cash provided by operating activities

5,545

31,379

Cash flows from investing activities:

Increase in demand loans included in other non-current assets

(137)

(3)

Repayment of loan from a related party

154

-

Cash received from property,plant and equipment sales

206

586

Payments to acquire property,plant and equipment (including $330and $760paid to related

parties for the sixmonths ended June 30,2021 and 2020,respectively)

(3,927)

(4,525)

Payments to acquire intangible assets

(303)

(390)

Investment under the equity method

-

(5,360)

Purchase of short-term investments

(31,253)

(27,128)

Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments

23,806

5,781

Cash received from long-term investment

4,785

448

Net cash used in by investing activities

(6,669)

(30,591)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from bank loans

34,990

36,135

Repayments of bank loans

(43,081)

(33,890)

Repayments of the borrowing for sale and leaseback transaction

(2,217)

(2,041)

Cash received from capital contributions by non-controlling interest holder

-

212

Deemed distribution to shareholders

-

(88)

Acquisition of non-controlling interest

(538)

(81)

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

(10,846)

247

Effects of exchange rate on cash,cash equivalents and pledged cash

1,226

(1,558)

Net decrease in cash,cash equivalents and pledged cash

(10,744)

(523)

Cash,cash equivalents and pledged cash at beginning of the period

128,061

106,403

Cash,cash equivalents and pledged cash at end of the period

$

117,317

$

105,880

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-automotive-systems-reports-45-0-net-sales-increase-in-the-second-quarter-of-2021--301353985.html